🥤💰❓

How to Say ‘Can I buy you a drink?’ in Traditional Chinese

我可以請你喝一杯嗎？

wǒ kě yǐ qǐng nǐ hē yī bēi ma

[wo kuh-yee qǐng nǐ huh ee bay ma]

Phrase Breakdown

我可以

wǒ kě yǐ

may I

我 (I) + 可以 (can, may). Use it to ask permission politely. 我 and 可 are both third tones, so 我 rises like a second tone.

Example

我可以坐這裡嗎？

May I sit here?

Words in this phrase

我

wǒ

[wo]

I; me

The first-person pronoun used to talk about yourself.

Example

我想多了解你們公司的制度，所以先自我介紹。

I want to learn more about your company’s system, so I’ll introduce myself first.

可以

kě yǐ

[kuh-yee]

can; may

Used to express ability, permission, or that something is possible.

Example

你如果想加這位主管的聯絡方式，現在可以先自我介紹。

If you want to add this manager's contact information, you can introduce yourself first now.

請你喝一杯嗎？

qǐng nǐ hē yī bēi ma

buy you a drink?

請你喝一杯 means 'treat you to a drink', and 嗎 at the end turns the sentence into a yes/no question.

Example

可以請你喝一杯嗎？

Can I buy you a drink?

Words in this phrase

請

qǐng

[qǐng]

to treat; to buy for

To pay for something for someone else as a treat.

Example

今天我請你吃飯。

Today I'll treat you to a meal.

你

nǐ

[nǐ]

you

Refers to the person being spoken to.

Example

你今天看起來很高興。

You look happy today.

喝

hē

[huh]

to drink

Used for drinking beverages like coffee or tea.

Example

你今天想喝哪種豆子？

Which kind of beans do you want to drink today?

一

yī

[ee]

one; a

A number word that helps form the phrase for category.

Example

你想找哪一類工作？

What kind of job do you want to look for?

杯

bēi

[bay]

cup; glass

A measure word for drinks served in a cup.

Example

我要一杯冰咖啡。

I want a cup of iced coffee.

嗎

[ma]

question particle

A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.

Example

你喜歡這個活動嗎？

Do you like this event?

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”

Laura H., 28, Photographer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer